Dubai gains popularity with medical tourists

The emirate has seen an influx in patients from countries including the Maldives

Aster hospitals in UAE are receiving a record number of patients from the islands as hospitals across the Maldives experience serious nursing shortages amid some of the world’s highest Covid-19 caseloads per capita and the country’s atoll-based facilities report trouble getting medical supplies. 

The healthcare provider, which has 365 facilities worldwide, including seven hospitals at its Dubai headquarters, has treated patients from 153 countries over the past 90 days. This has been facilitated by the fact that the emirate benefits from the connectivity of Emirates Airlines’ global network.

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Aster DM Healthcare deputy managing director Alisha Moopen said: “Dubai is positioned as a medical value travel (MVT) leader, ranked six out of 46 in the Medical Tourism Index 2020-21. Our hospitals in Dubai provide high quality healthcare, transparent, bundled pricing and rapid access to affordable care. Given the present circumstances in the Maldives, we are sensitive to the pressing need for care that challenges many residents who may forego or delay care under the present conditions. We are pleased to be able to offer a healthcare system spanning neonatology, cardiac, plastic, cosmetic and bariatric surgery, neurosurgery, women’s health and orthopedics.”

Dubai is an attractive health tourism destination with visitor confidence boosted by the UAE’s high vaccination rate. Providing insight into the services provided, Aster DM Healthcare chief of service excellence David Boucher said: “With 55+ specialties and sub-specialities and an expansive telemedicine network for medical travellers to connect with their providers before and after procedures, Aster is accommodating those who need to access treatment.”  

For more information, visit www.astermedicaltravel.ae